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Things to do in Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun

Since the opening in 1997 Wat Rong Khun has become the most famous tourist attraction of Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Khun is known as the “White Temple”. Wat Rong Khun is not a temple. It is an art object in the style of a Buddhist temple. There used to be another temple, called Wat Rong Khun, at this location and that time was in a bad state. Local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat bought the property and designed and constructed the current building. Over time many buildings have been put up around the building. There are restaurants and several parking lots now around Wat Rong Khun to cater to the thousands who visit it daily. We recommend to visit Wat Rong Khun in the early morning or late afternoon. Wat Rong Khun features in our Chiang Rai Explorer.

Elephant Valley

Elephant Valley is the best venue to observe elephants. About three years ago, Briton Jack Highwood founded Elephant Valley. Jack had been active in elephant conservation and responsible tourism in Cambodia since 2007. Elephant Valley is a unique place. We highly recommend a visit.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples of Chiang Rai. It is in the centre of the city, not far from the Central Market and the Clock Tower. It dates back to at least the end of the 14th century. In 1434 the highly revered Emerald Buddha statue (aka Phra Kaew Morakot) was discovered in this temple. It was hidden in the chedi of the temple until lightning hit the chedi. The chedi was damaged which revealed the statue that is now at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaew Museum

Wat Sangkaew Photiyan

Wat Sang Kaew Photiyan is in Mae Suay district, about 50 km south of Chiang Rai. This temple was recently constructed and features in our Chiang Rai White Temple Tour. The location is nothing less than spectacular. The view over the countryside is lovely. There are many statues at this temple which covers about 4,5 ha. The most striking is a huge sitting statue of Kruba Srivichai, the engineer monk. Kruba Srivichai’s followers reconstructed more than 200 temples in North Thailand. They also constructed the road to Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai in 1935.

Wat Sang Kaew Photiyan Mae Suay

Cycling in Chiang Rai

The countryside is perfect for cycling. It is very traditional, and there are many nice country roads, villages and local temples. The city is less interesting to ride a bicycle. Spending half a day or a full day cycling is a great experience.

Chiang Rai cycling

Trekking in Chiang Rai

One of the great activities in Chiang Rai is trekking. Chiang Rai province has an enormous diversity when it comes to tribal villages. There are some fantastic trekking areas north and northwest of the city. There are waterfalls and magnificent views. We can take you to areas where it is improbable you will meet other trekkers or really anyone. Give it a try.

Into the forest Family trekking

Santikhiri on Doi Mae Salong

Santikhiri is a town on the mountain Doi Mae Salong, northwest of Chiang Rai. Everyone knows the town as Doi Mae Salong. It is here that Chinese Nationalist troops settled after having been ousted from Burma. After communist troops beat them under Mao in 1949, they fled to Burma and ended up in this part of Thailand. They are now Thai citizens but being in Doi Mae Salong feels like being in China. The landscapes around Doi Mae Salong are spectacular. Tea plantations and Akha villages surround the town. It is certainly one of the most scenic and fascinating destinations in North Thailand. Most people visit Doi Mae Salong out of Chiang Rai on a day tour, but we recommend at least one overnight there.

Doi Mae Salong view

Boat Trip on the Kok River

The Kok River is a tributary of the Mekong River. It originates in Shan State, Myanmar, and flows from Thaton to Chiang Rai and onwards towards the Mekong. The boat trip from Thaton to Chiang Rai has always been one of the great activities in Chiang Rai. The trip takes 2,5 to 3 hours in a local boat. It is still a great adventure. If you don’t want to make the full trip, it is also possible to make shorter trips, get off the boat and continue by car.

Kok River boat trip

Things to see in Chiang Rai

Oub Kham Museum

The Oub Kham Museum is a small private museum not far from the centre of Chiang Rai. It exhibits artefacts and pictures of the former Lanna Kingdom and areas that are now part of Laos and Myanmar. Entrance fee is 300THB for foreigners. You will get a guided tour for that. If you are interested in the history of North Thailand, this museum is worth a visit. It is open every day from 0800 until 1700.

The Black House

The Black House (aka Ban Dam or Baan Dam Museum) is just off the road from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai, about 15 mins drive from the centre of Chiang Rai. It is the former residence of national artist Tawan Duchanee. It is a collection of buildings and structures that exhibit rather morbid objects such as skeletons and buffalo skulls. It’s all pretty dark and gloomy. Baan Dam is not everyone. Entrance fee is 80THB. Open daily from 0900 until 1700.

Black House Chiang Rai

Chiang Saen Historical Park

Chiang Saen is a lovely and quiet town on the Mekong River. It has a rich history though that goes back to the 7th century. It is about an hour drive from Chiang Rai. Chiang Saen has been independent principality that was under Lanna and Burmese rule in the past. In the late 19th century it became part of Siam, now Thailand. There are some impressive ruins, Buddha statues and leftovers of city walls that are worth visiting. The city walls are the best preserved in the country.